Small-Town Festivals Worth the Drive — Only at Cedar Creek Lake
The Festivals Locals Love—And Visitors Wish They Knew About
Looking for a weekend plan that doesn’t involve traffic, overpriced parking, or shoulder-to-shoulder crowds? Come see why the festivals around Cedar Creek Lake are some of the best-kept secrets in East Texas. Just an hour or two from Dallas, Fort Worth, Tyler, or Corsicana, these small-town celebrations offer something you won’t find on TripAdvisor: local flavor, laid-back lake life, and the kind of connection that reminds you why you love Texas in the first place.
Can’t-Miss Festivals Around the Lake, 2025
Plan your perfect lake day around live music, parades, street tacos, and stories you’ll want to tell twice. From historic music traditions to gourmet slices and lakefront home tours, these signature events show off the best of Cedar Creek Lake’s charm.
Fiesta de Kemp and City of Kemp Parks & Recreation
📍 Kemp City Park | 🎟️ Free Admission
Fiesta de Kemp is back!
Get ready for a day full of sabor, soul, and celebration as Kemp honors Hispanic and Latino heritage with food, music, art, and family fun.
Authentic Cuisine
Folklórico dancing
Live music
Artisan vendors
This isn’t just a festival—it’s a community party with heart — are you coming?
👉 Follow Fiesta de Kemp for updates and vendor info!
🌽 28th Annual Cornbread Festival
📍 September 27 | Downtown Malakoff
Celebrate all things Southern at this hometown favorite!
A true fall favorite. Malakoff’s Cornbread Festival fills the streets with cornbread contest, classic car show, live music, games, and a full lineup of local vendors.
Held at the new location—Malakoff Community Center & City Park.
Annual Tamarack Arts & Crafts Fair
Saturday, September 27th, from 10 AM–3 PM at Tamarack Park in Gun Barrel City!
The Cain Center Fall Fest brings the community together with food trucks, local vendors, trunk-or-treat fun, and free hay rides.
Held right in the heart of Athens, this family-friendly event has everything you love about fall—games, goodies, and a welcoming community feel that reminds you why East Texas is home.
🗓️ Saturday, October 11
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
The Lord’s Acre Fall Festival is more than a church fundraiser—it’s a heartfelt tradition that brings generations together in faith, service, and celebration.
Hosted by First Methodist Church of Mabank, this family-friendly event features homemade food, local crafts, and hands-on activities that reflect the spirit of giving and fellowship.
Over the past 30 years, the festival has raised more than $500,000 for youth missions and ministry—building a legacy of service that continues to bless lives both near and far.
📍 First Methodist Church of Mabank
🗓️ Fall 2025 | Dates TBA
🎤 Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree + Uncle Fletcher Hamburger Cook-Off
📍 October 18 | Athens Courthouse Square
Celebrate Athens’ claim to fame as the Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World—and the birthplace of the hamburger!
This community-wide celebration features:
🍔 Hamburger Cook-Off
🌱 Black-Eyed Pea Recipe Contests
🧃 Horchata Cook-Off + Pop-Up History Museum
🚜 Antique tractor show
🧒 Kids Zone + Turtle Races + Mooing Contest
🎶 Live entertainment all day
🛍️ Vendor booths + Southern comfort food everywhere
This is one of Athens’ most anticipated annual events—quirky, community-driven, and full of flavor. Whether you're racing, tasting, or just soaking up the live music and stories, this is what East Texas festivals are all about.
🎃Fall Fun at Yesterland Farm
📍 Canton
Get ready for pumpkins, sunflowers, fireworks, and a full lineup of fall attractions at Yesterland Farm in Canton!
Their beloved Fall Festival features a giant pumpkin patch, You-Pick sunflower and zinnia fields, amazement rides, pig races, and a sprawling corn maze—with a spooky twist after dark.
On Friday and Saturday nights, stay for Spooktacular Nights and a dazzling fireworks show under the stars.
It’s the perfect mix of classic fall fun and family-friendly thrills!
🎄✨Christmas Magic at Yesterland Farm
📍 Canton
Celebrate the season at Yesterland Farm’s Christmas Carnival, where holiday magic comes to life day and night! Play in real snow at the Snow Play Area, glide down the Snow Tubing Hill, and visit Animal Town for some furry fun.
As night falls, the Christmas Light Experience transforms the farm with wagon rides, a twinkling train ride, and festive photo ops. Don’t miss a visit with Santa or the chance to pick out a fresh Christmas tree to take home!
Local Tips You Won’t Find on TripAdvisor
Want to enjoy these festivals like a local? These tips come from years of showing up early, talking to vendors, and knowing where the shade hits just right.
Bring cash. Many vendors are locals and accept cash—it’s quicker and often appreciated.
Come hungry. From fried pies and brisket tacos to peach cobbler and craft horchata, you’ll find flavors that don’t make it to food blogs.
Don’t skip the side streets. Some of the best booths and friendliest vendors are just off the main path.
Talk to the people behind the tables. You’ll get stories, recipes, local recs—and probably a bag full of unexpected goodies.
Bring your dog. Many of these festivals are pet-friendly, and your pup will love the energy (and the attention).
🐾 Check out our Dog Lover’s Guide to Cedar Creek Lake ›
Make It a Full Lake Day
Don’t just come for the festival—make it a full experience.
🌅 Start with a paddle. Launch spots ›
🍳 Grab brunch or lunch. 🔗 Fig’s Backyard or The Whistlestop are local favorites
🛍️ Stroll a market. 🔗 Mabank Farmers Market is a great pre-event warmup
🍷 Unwind with music or a drink. 🔗 Cedar Creek Brewery or Triple N Ranch Winery
Bookmark It, Share It, Make It Yours
These events aren’t about crowds or clout—they’re about connection. A day well spent. A new memory made. And Cedar Creek Lake has plenty of both. Whether you're bringing the kids, your partner, or your fur-baby, you'll leave feeling like part of the community.
